The Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition (MiABC) recently welcomed stakeholders from across the state to its inaugural stakeholder meeting at ZFS Ithaca, Michigan’s largest soybean processing facility. The event brought together representatives from agriculture, renewable fuels, fleet operations, and industry to strengthen partnerships while highlighting the critical role Michigan soybeans play in advancing the state’s bioeconomy.
The day began with presentations covering the fundamentals of soybean production, today’s biofuel policy landscape, soybean oil logistics, and updates on Michigan’s growing biodiesel industry. Participants also engaged in a stakeholder roundtable focused on opportunities to expand the production, distribution, and use of biodiesel and other biobased products throughout the state.
Tour participants pause for a moment of networking while a truck loaded with soybeans passes by.
A highlight of the meeting was a behind-the-scenes tour of the ZFS Ithaca soybean crush facility. Attendees followed the journey of a soybean from delivery through processing, gaining a firsthand look at how soybeans are transformed into valuable coproducts. While roughly 80 percent of each soybean becomes high-protein meal used to feed livestock, poultry, and aquaculture, the remaining oil provides a renewable feedstock for biodiesel, renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, and a growing range of biobased industrial products. This integrated process allows Michigan agriculture to maximize the value of every bushel while supporting multiple sectors of the economy.
ZFS Ithaca’s Mark Jensen shares information on the operation’s commercial soybean dryer during the tour.
Participants also learned about the scale and importance of the ZFS Ithaca facility. Capable of processing approximately 45 million bushels of soybeans annually, the plant has significantly expanded Michigan’s soybean processing capacity, creating new market opportunities for farmers while supplying feed ingredients and renewable feedstocks that support the state’s livestock, energy, and manufacturing industries.
The inaugural stakeholder meeting reflects MiABC’s commitment to building stronger connections across Michigan’s renewable fuels value chain. By bringing together farmers, processors, fuel suppliers, fleet operators, policymakers, and other industry leaders, MiABC is helping accelerate the adoption of cleaner fuels while supporting rural economies, strengthening domestic energy production, and creating new markets for Michigan-grown soybeans.
Image Credit: Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition/Groen Solutions